Wal-Mart Workers, Supporters Launch Protests

Related Tags:

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Wal-Mart workers and supporters are protesting at a number of stores nationwide, blasting the wages, benefits and treatment of employees of the world’s largest retailer.

The efforts on Thursday and Friday seemed to do little to keep shoppers away though — the company said it was their best Black Friday ever.

A union-backed group called OUR Walmart says it held an estimated 1000 protests in 46 states. The exact number is unclear. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has refuted the estimate, saying the union has grossly exaggerated its figure and that the protests involved few of its own employees.

The protests and walkouts were scheduled to culminate during the key holiday shopping weekend.